Combined cervical and intraoral approach to lingual thyroid: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Lingual thyroid is a rare anomaly that may require surgical intervention. Lesions have been approached either via the neck or transorally. Advantages and limitations exist with each technique.


METHODS
A 10-year-old female on long-term suppression therapy for lingual thyroid developed progressive dysphagia; surgical excision was performed. Suprahyoid pharyngotomy was used to dissect the posterior limits of the tumor. Resection was completed via a transoral approach.


RESULTS
Cervical exposure allowed safe access to the posterior tumor margins. Transoral exposure permitted direct dissection of the anterior margin of the lesion, rendering complete excision simple.


CONCLUSIONS
A combined surgical approach to lingual thyroid is a safe technique that affords excellent visualization and facilitates resection.
Zitsman
J L
JL
Department of Surgery, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Bronx, New York 10451, USA.
Lala
V R
VR
Rao
P M
PM
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D002828:Choristoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery*; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011292:Premedication; D013961:Thyroid Gland; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014060:Tongue Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone